CN108139002A - Connection clamping device - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection gripping device (21; 61; 81; 131; 151) arranged to connect a flexible pipe (1) to a barbed end (5b) of a connection means (5), wherein the barbed end (5b) comprises a barb (9) and the connection means during connection is arranged to protrude into an end of the flexible pipe (1), characterized in that the connection gripping device comprises two halves (23a, 23b) which, when the connection means protrudes into an end of the flexible pipe during connection, are arranged to be connected and locked to each other around the connection means (5) and the flexible pipe (1) by locking means (33a, 33b, 34a, 34 b; 63a, 63b, 64a, 64b) such that the flexible pipe (1) is pressed against the connection means (5) by ribs (41a, 41b) provided on an inner circumference of the connection gripping device.

Description

Connection clamping device

technical field

The invention relates to a connection clamping device and a method for connecting a flexible pipe to a connection device.

Background technique

Flexible piping/tubing is used to convey fluids or gases in many different environments, such as in the bioprocessing, pharmaceutical and food industries. Flexible tubing has to be connected to different components, such as for example different types of bags, sensors, fittings, ports or connectors. Especially in the fields of eg medicine and bioprocessing, it is very important that these connections are leak-proof and that liquids cannot become trapped in the connections causing eg bacterial growth.

Connectors, ports or fittings that typically connect with flexible tubing often include barbs. A common way of performing the connection is simply to use a cable tie around the flexible pipe and the connecting means, which has been arranged to protrude into the flexible pipe. The cable tie is then properly positioned under the barb. There are some disadvantages regarding the use of cable ties in this context. One problem is that the extrusion of the flexible tube will not be evenly distributed over the entire circumference due to the ends of the cable ties. Below the head of the cable tie, the flexible tube will "bulge" and this can cause leaks. The leakage problem may even be magnified if there is also a mold inlay wire from the molding process at the same location as the cable tie. Another problem is that the cable ties that are left pointing outwards from the tip after tightening are pointy and are likely to damage sensitive materials provided nearby. It is often necessary to wrap the cable ties in blister packs to avoid damage. Yet another problem with using cable ties is that it is quite time consuming. Locating and tightening one cable tie can take about 1-2 minutes, and in a typical bioprocessing environment, hundreds of such connections may be made.

A connection clamping device is described, for example, in US 7,090,257. This connection clamping device consists of two parts which need to be screwed onto the flexible pipe, and tools are then required to engage these two parts with each other in order to squeeze the flexible pipe over the connection means. One problem with this device is that the parts need to slide over the flexible pipe, which is tricky, especially since one of them fits next to the pipe, ie one part has an inner diameter that is nearly the same as the outer diameter of the pipe. Furthermore, the use of the tool is tricky, requires some force and precision, and is time consuming.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connection clamping device for connecting a flexible pipe to a connection device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-connect and reliable (ie leak-proof and stable) connection clamping device.

This is achieved in a connection clamping device arranged to connect a flexible tube to a barbed end of a connection device, wherein the barb end comprises a barb and the connection device is arranged to protrude into the in the end of the flexible pipe. According to the invention, said connection clamping device comprises two halves which are arranged so as to surround the connection means and the flexible pipe by means of a locking mechanism during connection when the connection means protrudes into the end of the flexible pipe. Connected and locked to each other such that the flexible tube is pressed against the connection means by ribs provided on the inner circumference of the connection clamp.

Here is realized a connection clamping device for connecting the pipe to the connection means, which is fast and easy to install, with high precision and which seals the connection evenly over the entire circumference.

This is also achieved in a method for connecting a flexible pipe to a connecting device, said method comprising the steps of:

arranging the connection means to protrude into the end of the flexible pipe;

When the connection means protrudes into the pipe, there is provided around the flexible pipe and the connection means connection clamping means comprising two halves which are connected and locked to each other during this step;

The flexible pipe is pressed against the connection means by ribs arranged around the circumference on the inner surface of the connection clamp.

Here, a method is realized with which flexible pipes can be quickly and easily connected to the connection means with high precision and thus a reliable connection can be achieved.

Embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Description of drawings

Figure 1a schematically shows the flexible tube and ports.

Figure 1b schematically shows the connector.

Figure 2a schematically shows a connection clamping device according to an embodiment of the invention in an open position.

Figure 2b schematically shows a connection clamping device according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position.

Figure 3 shows the connection clamping device of Figure 2a or 2b in a closed position.

Figure 4 shows the connection clamping device of Figure 2a or 2b in the closed position, above the flexible pipe and the connection means, thus connecting the flexible pipe to the connection means.

Figure 5a schematically shows Figure 4 in cross-section.

Figure 5b schematically shows an enlarged view of extrusion of the tube.

Figure 6a schematically shows a connection clamping device according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position.

Fig. 6b schematically shows the connection clamping device of the embodiment of Fig. 6a in a cross-section in a connected position.

Figure 7 schematically shows in cross-section three flexible pipes connected to a T-connector by using three connection clamping devices according to the invention.

Fig. 8 schematically shows another embodiment of the connection clamping device according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 schematically shows another embodiment of the connection clamping device according to the invention in cross-section.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 a schematically shows the flexible tube 1 and the port 3 . Such ports 3 may be provided, for example, to bags requiring connection to other components such as flexible tubing. When connecting the flexible tube 1 to the port 3 the tube simply slides over the connection means 5 of the port 3 . The connection means 5 of the port 3 has the form of a short tube and is connected to the sealing part 7 of the port 3 in a first end 5 a of the connection means 5 . The sealing member 7 of the port 3 is shown in this embodiment extending around the first end 5a of the connection means 5 in a direction perpendicular to the tube extension. The sealing member is adapted to seal to a device that should be connected to the flexible tube 1, such as for example a bag. A second end 5 b of the connection means 5 is positioned on the other end of the connection means 5 compared to the first end 5 a , the second end 5 b generally comprising a barb 9 . This end is also referred to as the barbed end 5 b of the connection element 5 . The outer diameter of the connection means 5 is typically close to but slightly larger than the inner diameter of the flexible pipe. The flexible tubing to be connected to the connector typically needs to be stretched in order to slide over the barbs and the connector. Thus no gap is provided between the connection means and the flexible pipe.

FIG. 1 b schematically shows the connector 11 . This is a so-called T-connector. Such connectors may couple, for example, sensors, connectors, fittings and pumps. Other types of connectors, such as Y-connectors, may also be used in the present invention. The T-connector comprises three connection means 12a, 12b, 12c pointing in different directions and connected internally to each other. Each of the connection means 12a, 12b, 12c comprises a barbed end 13a, 13b, 13c, ie a barb 14a, 14b, 14c is provided near the end of each of the connection means 12a, 12b, 12c. A flexible tube is positioned over the barbed end during connection. This is further shown in Figure 7.

Figure 2a schematically shows a connection clamping device 21 according to an embodiment of the invention in an open position. The connection clamping device 21 includes a first half 23a and a second half 23b. The two halves 23a, 23b are each in the form of a half-pipe, ie a tubular arrangement is provided when the two halves 23a and 23b are connected to each other. Each half 23a, 23b of the connection clamping means 21 has an inner surface 25 and an outer surface 27, where inner and outer refer to the inner and outer surfaces when the two halves are connected and provide a tubular means. Each half 23a, 23b also has a first connection surface 29a, 29a' and a second connection surface 29b, 29b'. These connection surfaces 29a, 29a', 29b, 29b' of the two halves 23a, 23b are the surfaces that contact each other when the two halves are connected and form a tubular part. In this embodiment, the two halves 23a, 23b are connected to each other via a hinge 31, which may be a living hinge arranged between the second connection surfaces 29b, 29b' of the two halves. The device is thus provided as a single component. The first connection surface 29a, 29a' comprises a snap locking mechanism. In this embodiment two protruding latches 33a, 33b on the first connecting surface 29a' of the second half 23b and two corresponding latches 33a, 33b on the first connecting surface 29a of the first half 23a are shown. Recesses 34a, 34b. The protruding latches 33a, 33b each comprise a barb 35a, 35b, and the recesses 34a, 34b are correspondingly designed such that when the protruding latches 33a, 33b are disposed with their barbs 35a, 35b into the recesses 34a, 34b Achieve hasp lock. The number of latches and recesses can vary. The design of the locking mechanism can be varied, such as using hooks for example.

According to the invention, the first part 41a of the first rib is provided along the inner surface 25a of the first half 23a and the second part 41b of the first rib is provided along the inner surface 25 of the second half 23b. The first and second parts of the first rib 41a, 41b are arranged in a circumferential direction, and when the two halves 23a, 23b are connected, the first and second parts will be connected to the ribs of the other half so that the first The ribs are provided around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the tubular part. Here the first and second parts of the first ribs 41 a , 41 b are shown in the form of semicircles rotating along the circumference of the inner surface 25 . But the ribs can also be of another form, such as rectangular or have a triangular cross-section. The function of the first rib 41a, 41b is that it should protrude into the flexible tube when connecting the tube into the port. The rib should be provided on the connection clamping device in a position such that the rib is provided under the barb of the connection means to be connected to the flexible pipe.

According to one embodiment of the invention, when the two halves 23a, 23b are connected, the inner diameter of the connection clamping means 21 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe (except for the position of the first rib). Thus the only part of the connecting clamping means 21 which encounters the flexible pipe is the first ribs 41a, 41b. The first ribs 41a, 41b will press the flexible tube and thus the tube onto the connection means, which is the object of the present invention. Since there is a small amount of free space between the remainder of the inner diameter of the connecting clamp and the outer diameter of the flexible tube, any bulging of the tube due to the ribs squeezing the tube and displacing it can be accommodated in this free space, while in the There is no additional force on the locking mechanism. Installation is therefore also easier and does not require as much force.

In one embodiment of the invention, the indicating window 51a, 51b is provided in either of the two halves 23a, 23b, or as shown in Figure 2a, in the first half 23a and the second half 23b of both. The indicator windows 51a, 51b are recesses in the walls of the halves on the side of the halves which during connection will be provided opposite the barbed ends of the connection means. When the connection clamping device 21 has been positioned over the flexible pipe and the connection means to connect them together, the ends of the pipe should be visible through the indicator windows 51a, 51b. This ensures that the tube has been correctly positioned over the connection means. During use, it is also always possible to check that the tube is still in place by looking through the indicator window. For example, if the tube is pulled by mistake, it can easily be checked that the tube is still in the correct position over the connection means just by checking that the tube can be viewed through the indicator windows 51a, 51b.

Fig. 2b schematically shows a connection clamping device 61 according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position. The only difference from the connecting clamping device 21 shown in Figure 2a is the absence of a hinge connecting the two halves 23a, 23b. Most of the reference numerals are the same as in Fig. 2a and the description will not be repeated. Instead of a hinge connecting the two second connection surfaces 29b, 29b', a snap-lock mechanism corresponding to the snap-lock mechanism on the first connection surface 29a, 29a' is also provided for the second connection surface 29b, 29b'. In this embodiment, a protruding latch 63a is provided on the second connecting surface 29b' of the second half 23b, and a protruding latch 63b is provided on the first connecting surface 29a of the first half 23a, And correspondingly a recess 64 is provided in the first connection surface 29a' of the second half 23b, and a recess 64b is provided in the second connection surface 29b of the first half 23a. As discussed above, the number of latches and recesses can be selected.

Figure 3 shows the connection clamping device of Figure 2a or 2b in a closed position. The latches 33a, 33b, 63a, 63b are thus already set into the recesses 34a, 34b, 64a, 64b and provide a snap locking mechanism. A short tube is formed having an outer surface 27 and an inner surface 25 .

Fig. 4 shows the connection clamping means 21, 61 of Fig. 2a or 2b in the closed position, over the flexible pipe 1 and the connection means 5 of the port 3, thus connecting the flexible pipe to the port. Here the correct position of the flexible pipe 1 can be seen through the indicator window 51a or 51b. It can also be seen that the outer surface of the connection clamp 21, 61 is smooth and does not damage any other nearby components.

Figure 5a shows Figure 4 in cross-section. Here the connection means 5 with respect to the port 3 defined in FIG. 1 can be seen. The connection means also has barbs 9 . The flexible tube 1 is shown connected to the port 3 and the connection clamping means 21 , 61 described with respect to Figures 2-4 are shown in the connected position. The ribs 41a, 41b are shown pressing the tube against the connection means 5 of the port 3 below the barbs 9 . Indication windows 51a, 51b are also shown.

Figure 5b schematically shows an enlarged view of extrusion of the tube. Displacement of the tube can be seen. It can also be seen that the gap provided between the connection clamp and the tube at all locations except where the rib is provided can accommodate tube displacement - or tube bulging due to tube being squeezed by the rib.

Fig. 6a schematically shows a connection clamping device 81 according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position. Almost all details are identical to the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, so the reference numerals will be the same and the description will not be repeated. The difference in this embodiment is that a second rib 83a, 83b is provided in addition to the first rib 41a, 41b. This second rib 83 a , 83 b is provided in the ends of the first half 23 a and the second half 23 b and is arranged to press the tube onto the connection means 5 just above the barb 9 . This can be seen in Figure 6b.

Fig. 6b schematically shows the connection clamping device 81 of the embodiment in Fig. 6a in a cross-section in the connected position. The first ribs 41a, 41b are shown pressing the flexible tube 1 against the connection means 5 of the port 3 below the barbs 9 and the second ribs 83a, 83b are shown pressing the flexible tube 1 against the port above the barbs 9 3 on the connecting device 5. The advantage of this embodiment is that it can withstand higher pressures. Furthermore this embodiment is hermetic in the locations where no model tessellation lines are required (conical regions). This makes the seal more reliable. Suitably, this embodiment may include features to align the connection clamping means with the connection means in the axial direction. This feature is further shown and described with respect to FIG. 9 . This feature will ensure that the second rib will seal against the conical surface of the barb.

Different size connection clamps are available for different tube and connection device sizes. Different colors may suitably be painted for different sizes.

Figure 7 schematically shows in cross-section three flexible pipes 101a, 101b, 101c connected to a T-connector 11 (as shown in Figure 1b) by using three connection clamping devices 21, 61 according to the invention. like that) on.

Fig. 8 schematically shows another embodiment of the connection clamping device 131 according to the present invention. A different type of locking mechanism is provided instead of the latch and recess described with respect to Figures 2a and 2b. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is an elastic sleeve 133 that slides over the two halves when connected over the tube and connecting means. In this figure two separate halves are shown, but they could also be hinged to each other. The outer surfaces of the two halves may be provided with means such as recesses or patterns for receiving such sleeves.

FIG. 9 schematically shows another embodiment of a connection clamping device 151 according to the invention in cross section. In this embodiment the connecting device 153 also needs to be modified. The connection means 153 is normally provided with a barb 155 in one end, but according to this embodiment a connection means rib 157 is also provided in the other end. This connector rib 157 is provided to hold the connector clamping means 151 in the correct position and to place the first rib 159 and the second rib 161 (even more ribs may be provided) in the correct sealing position. To this end, in one of the ends where the clamping device 151 is connected, a positioning rib 163 is provided outermost. This is the end that will be positioned opposite the barbed end of the connection means when the connection clip means are connected. When a connection clamp is provided, the positioning rib 163 and the connector rib 157 will be arranged adjacent to each other and secure the position of the connection clamp. The positioning rib 163 does not have to be a rib over the entire circumference. It may instead be for example two or more rib members provided in each half of the connection clamping device. An advantage of this embodiment is that it is ensured that the second rib connecting the clamping means is arranged to seal against the conical portion of the barb. It may properly seal against the conical portion of the barb, as this part may not include any molding wires.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a method for connecting a flexible pipe to a connection device is provided. The method includes the following steps:

arranging the connection means to protrude into the end of the flexible pipe;

When the connecting means protrudes into the tube (1), connection clamping means are provided around the flexible tube and the connecting means (5), said connecting clamping means comprising two halves, which are connected and locked to each other during this step;

The flexible tube is pressed onto the connection means by ribs arranged around the circumference on a part of the inner surface of the connection clamp.

Claims (10)

1. a kind of connection clamping device (21；61；81；131；151) it, is arranged to flexible pipe (1) being connected to interface unit (5) Barbed end (5b) on, wherein the barbed end (5b) includes barb (9), and the interface unit is arranged to during connection It projecting into the end of the flexible pipe (1), which is characterized in that the connection clamping device includes two half-unit (23a, 23b), During connection, when in the end that the interface unit projects into the flexible pipe, described two half portions are arranged to pass through lock Determine mechanism (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b；63a, 63b, 64a, 64b) around the interface unit (5) and the flexible pipe (1) and that This connection and locking so that the flexible pipe (1) be arranged on it is described connection clamping device internal circumference on rib (41a, It 41b) is pressed against on the interface unit (5).

2. connection clamping device (21 according to claim 1；61；81；131；151), which is characterized in that the connection clip Device is held to include：

First half portion (23a) and the second half portion (23b), they form tubular member when being connected to each other,

Locking mechanism (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b；63a, 63b, 64a, 64b), be arranged so that when described two half portions (23a, When 23b) being close together, they are locked to each other,

The first component (41a) for the first rib being arranged in first half portion (23a) and it is arranged on second half portion (23b) In first rib second component (41b), when described two half portions (23a, 23b) lock together, the rib part is in institute It states and first rib is collectively formed above the internal circumference of tubular member,

Described two half portions (23a, 23b) that wherein described connection clip holds device (21) are arranged to project into when the interface unit When in the pipe (1), around the flexible pipe and the interface unit (5) positioning and lock, and the first rib (41a, It 41b) is arranged to below the barb (9) on the interface unit (5) is arranged on the flexible pipe (1) being pressed against described On interface unit (5).

3. connection clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, which is characterized in that in addition to set the first rib (41a, Except position 41b), the internal diameter of the connection clamping device is more than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe (1), and the tubular member Internal diameter at the position of the first rib (41a, 41b) is less than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe (1).

4. clamping device is connected according to any one of the preceding claims, which is characterized in that described two half portions (23a, 23b) is connected to each other by living hinge (31) on side.

5. clamping device is connected according to any one of the preceding claims, which is characterized in that the locking mechanism (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b) is arranged in each the first connection surface (29a, 29a') in described two half portions (23a, 23b) On, and the locking mechanism be one or more projection latching members (33a, 33b) on one in the half portion and Recess portion (34a, 34b) on another in described two half portions.

6. according to the connection clamping device described in claim 1,2 or 3, which is characterized in that the locking mechanism (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b) be arranged in described two half portions (23a, 23b) each the first and second connection surfaces (29a, 29a', 29b, 29b') in the two, and the locking mechanism be one or more projection latching members on one in the half portion and Recess portion on another in described two half portions.

7. clamping device is connected according to any one of the preceding claims, which is characterized in that in described two half portions Indicating window (51a, 51b) is provided in the side wall of one or both in (23a, 23b), wherein when the connection clamping device (21) Mounted on the flexible pipe (1) and the interface unit (5) above when, if the pipe (1) be correctly connected to it is described On interface unit (5), then the end of the flexible pipe (1) should be can be seen that by the indicating window (51a, 51b).

8. clamping device is connected according to any one of the preceding claims, which is characterized in that in described two half portions It is middle offer the second rib (83a, 83b), wherein second rib (83a, 83b) be arranged to when provide it is described connection clamping device by When in the tube grip to the interface unit, the flexible pipe is pressed against on the conical surface of the barb.

9. clamping device is connected according to any one of the preceding claims, which is characterized in that the connection clamping dress Put including positioning rib (163), it is arranged to act on the contrary with interface unit rib (157) so that it is described connection clamping device with The interface unit is axially aligned.

10. it is a kind of for flexible pipe to be connected to the method on interface unit, it the described method comprises the following steps：

The interface unit is arranged to project into the end of the flexible pipe；

When the interface unit is projected into the pipe (1), provided around the flexible pipe and the interface unit (5) Clamping device is connected, the connection clamping device includes two half-unit, and described two half portions are connected to each other during the step And locking；

The rib being arranged on by surrounding circumference on the inner surface of the connection clamping device, the flexible pipe is pressed against described On interface unit.